mop-up

[ mop-uhp ]

/ ˈmɒpˌʌp /

the act, process, or an instance of mopping up; completion of an operation or action.

Origin of mop-up

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase mop up

Those were mop-up operations, clearing the streets of the last of the priest-king forces; he was not needed there.

Warlord of Kor |Terry Gene Carr
A dozen times they had almost stumbled headlong into roving German mop-up patrols.

Dave Dawson at Dunkirk |Robert Sydney Bowen
"Congratulations on the mop-up, which I understand was one hundred point oh oh oh percent," the officer said.

Man of Many Minds |E. Everett Evans
Golly, I want to be a Thorgunner and get in on the mop-up when it comes!

Be It Ever Thus |Robert Moore Williams

And a mop-up squad patrolled outward from the reclaimed camp, picked up two living Throgs, both wandering witlessly.

Storm Over Warlock |Andre Norton